1. According to Isaiah 1:1, God gave His prophet a message that related to Judah and Jerusalem [the Jews in the southern kingdom]. 2. We are informed in Isaiah 1:2-8 that the spiritual condition of the people in that area at that time was very bad. 3. Throughout his book, Isaiah showed how the Jews were guilty of numerous "sins" [sin is the transgression of God's law --1 John 3:4]. 4. We learn from Isaiah 59:1-2 that the Jews suffered a serious consequence because of their sins -- their sins caused them to be separated from God. 5. In spite of this, God wanted His people to come to Him for forgiveness (Isaiah 1:16-18). 6. To receive forgiveness, God's people would have to come to Him on His terms -- not theirs. 7. This matter of coming to God receives a tremendous amount of attention in the Bible. 8. In our lesson we are covering passages which show that "God wants us to come to Him." 9. Perhaps we first need to show that . . .
Discussion:
I. THE BIBLE TEACHES US TO COME TO GOD
A. Hebrews 10:22 begins with these words: "Let us draw near . . ." B. Also, James 4:8 says: "Draw nigh to God . . ." C. We should want to do our best to follow these instructions because . . .
II. SPECIAL BLESSINGS ARE ENJOYED BY THOSE WHO COME TO GOD
A. This point is made in a general way in Psalm 73:28 -- "But it is good for me to draw near to God." B. More specifically,: 1. God will draw near to those who come to Him -- "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (James 4:8). 2. Salvation and intercession are available to those who come to God through Christ (Hebrews 7:25). 3. Forgiveness and healing are available (2 Chronicles 7:14). C. These blessings are so special that they should cause us to want to come to God; however, . . .
III. CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS ARE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO COME TO GOD
A. This point is made in a general way in Psalm 145:18 -- "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." B. More specifically,: 1. Our hearts must be right when we come to the Lord (Matthew 15:7-8). 2. We must have faith in God (Hebrews 11:6). 3. We must come to God through Christ (John 14:6). 4. We must come to God as we are taught in the new covenant (Hebrews 7:19). 5. Our hearts must be cleansed, and we must be washed (Hebrews 10:22).
Conclusion:
1. Do you need to come to God? a. Do you believe in Him? b. Do you believe that He rewards those who diligently seek Him? c. Do you believe that Jesus is His Son? d. Are you willing to repent of your sins and be baptized? 2. God invites you to come to Him (Isaiah 55:6-7).
